The diamond cut that some people are just being introduced to for the first time is anything but a newcomer when it comes to fancy-cut diamonds. The exquisite Marquise diamond has a long and fascinating history that goes all the way back to the 18th century. Read on for the story of this unique diamond shape, how to set it, style it, and more.
The Lore of the Marquise
The Marquise cut diamond is owed to King Louis XV of France; the infamous ruler commissioned a diamond cutter to create a diamond shape inspired by the lips of his lover, the Marquise de Pompadour.
The luscious diamond cut also caught royal attention when it was seen as similar in shape to the hull of a racing yacht, as enjoyed by 20th Century Edwardians and a beloved hobby of Britain's King Edward VII.
The Marquise cut is recognized by it's flattering, elongated shape and points on both ends. Marquise-cut diamonds have 58 facets, and a mesmerizing, glistening effect that radiates sparkle.
While this glittering cut was most popular and well known in the 1920's, it has had a resurgence in engagement rings, fashion rings, and pendant necklaces with recent celebrity sightings, and the rise in customizable, vintage-inspired engagement rings.
What to Look for in a Marquis Diamond Cut
Once you've decided on a Marquise-Cut, the next step is to find your perfect diamond. Fancy-cut diamonds are all unique in their proportions; some are more elongated, some are more rounded, some are more oval-esque. It's important to see your diamond choices in person before making the final decision; even if you're looking at diamonds with nearly identical specs, you'll find yourself drawn to one in particular - often for unexplainable reasons!
The Cut
As with all diamonds, the cut grade should be high priority; diamonds that are cut poorly will leak light, diminishing the sparkle and the play of color in the stone, and will also display a strong, black bow-tie in the center of a marquise. In general, look for a two-to-one ratio (a length that is twice the width) in your marquise, as well as an Excellent-Very Good cut grade from the Gemological Institute of America (the GIA).
The Color
Because of the Marquise faceting pattern, color is absorbed well in the center, but can often show up in the tips. If you're prefer a white gold or platinum setting, opt for an H color and up (D-H), to avoid a warmer-toned hue in the diamond when set against the metal. If you're preference is yellow gold, you have a lot of space to try out on the color scale - you can even go to a J or a K color depending on your personal preference and how the diamond displays it's warmth.
The Clarity
In a Marquise-cut, inclusions can hide well depending on the nature or type of inclusion it is - what's important is WHERE it's hiding at. Avoid inclusions in the tips, as marquise cuts can be delicate and prone to chips in the tips if not properly protected and set.
The Carat Weight
A benefit to the Marquise cut is that it tends to face-up with the look of a larger carat weight than it actually is - and who doesn't love that? Ask your diamond specialist to show you a variety of dimensions when it comes time to choose your diamond - don't go off of carat weight alone. The proportions of each stone can create totally different visual effects, and ultimately what matters is less about the specs, and comes down to simply this - that YOU love the diamond.
Styling Marquis-Cuts
One of our favorite things about the Marquise-cut is how versatile it is as a gemstone and set in everyday jewelry. While we most commonly see it in engagement rings, countless beautiful gemstones are cut to perfection with the same shape.
Marquise cuts work beautifully in a bezel-style setting as an added layer of protection on the stone tips, which are the the most common area for this cut to be chipped, especially if it's a gemstone that is softer or more susceptible to breaking than a diamond.
They also make a stunning pendant with any gemstone - diamond, emerald, sapphire, you name it. They have a flattering shape as a pendant, and offer rich gleams of color from the stone because of the sleek, angled cut - like this example of an emerald-cut Marquise gemstone, set with a subtle diamond halo on a curb chain for a modern, easy-to-layer and colorful way to wear this on-trend cut.
How do I choose my own Marquise Diamond at Skeie's?
While we carry a beautiful selection of hand-set ready to go engagement rings, we also offer a personalized diamond selection experience. One of our expert associates will source a variety of diamonds for you to look at, try on, and choose from, making sure that you find the diamond you love.
Set up an appointment with our specialists here!
